Winemaker Notes
The aromatics are intense with citrus blossoms, fresh mint, kiwi, and lemon. There’s great depth of fruit without compromising the flowery and herbal qualities we love from McGinley. An opening burst of minerals and acidity segues into a delicate oiliness with flavors of pear, white peach, and fig. Then the wine steps on the gas with tangy yuzu, bringing nervous tension into a finish that is flecked with savory herbs and fine mineral grit.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc McGinley Vineyard is taut and finely cut from start to finish. Bright acids and clean citrus notes slice through a core of citrus fruit, white flowers, mint and white pepper in this gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc from Adam Tolmach.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Ripe citrus, minty herbs, and a kiss of lime zest all emerge from the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc McGinley Vineyards, another ripe, round, lush Sauvignon Blanc that has beautiful clean acidity and a great finish.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.